BSc in Microbiology Syllabus & Subjects 2024

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Sep 24, 2024 20:58PM IST

BSc Microbiology subjects and syllabus focus on studying micro-organisms. Candidates will learn Introduction to Biology, DNA Technology, Infection Immunity and Diagnostics,  Recombinant DNA Technology, Food and Dairy Microbiology, Microbial Technology – Social, Legal & Ethical Issues, etc. Some of these are lab subjects. Candidates can check out the syllabus, books, and top colleges here.

BSc Microbiology Subjects And Syllabus Overview

BSc Microbiology subjects includes a detailed study of microorganisms as well as their effects on the human body. The Bachelor of Science Microbiology course syllabus is divided into six semesters and covers various types of Bacteria and Viruses as well as how they function. The first two semesters of the BSc Microbiology programme cover general BSc Microbiology subjects, while the final four semesters cover BSc Microbiology core subjects. Some universities require students to complete industrial training during their final semester. Molecular Ecology, Enzymes Technology, Molecular Biology, Industrial Microbiology, and Immunology are among the major BSc Microbiology course subjects covered in the course. 

Students who pursued the course studied the following BSc in Microbiology subjects

  • Structure and analysis of macromolecular systems
  • Structure and dynamics of the cell
  • Biology's organic mechanisms
  • Immunology fundamentals
  • Introduction to Data structure and computer organisation
  • Genetics at the molecular level
  • Microbiology in Medicine
  • Technology based on recombinant DNA

Some of the other major subjects covered in the BSc Microbiology syllabus are Immunology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Physiology of Microbes, Genetics of Microbes, Biology at the Molecular Level, Instruments and Biophysics, Instrumentation and Basic Microscopy. Most top colleges offer BSc Microbiology admission 2024 based on merit or performance in entrance exams like CUET and LPUNEST, among others. Candidates who complete the course may find BSc Microbiology jobs in Forensic Science Laboratories, Healthcare Organisations, Environmental Organisations, Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverage, Higher Education Institutions, Publicly Funded Research Organisations, and a wide range of other industries. Depending on the candidate's experience, the average annual starting salary for BSc Microbiology graduates in India ranges between INR 3 and 10 LPA.

Also Read: BSc Courses List for Science Students After 12th

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BSc Microbiology Course Details

The candidates can check the quick facts about the BSc Microbiology degree course. This helps them decide whether BSc Microbiology is a good choice. Or not for them. Some of the major highlights of the BSc Microbiology course are given below. 

Name of the CourseBSc Microbiology
Duration3 years (6 semesters)
Minimum EligibilityThe candidate must have passed class 12th in Science with a 50% minimum aggregate.
Lateral Entry OptionThe lateral entry option is open in BSc Microbiology for the candidates who have pursued a 3-year Polytechnic diploma after class12th. 
Admission Process

Merit-based: Some colleges take admission on the basis of merit obtained in the qualifying exam.

Entrance-based: Some colleges take admission based on a national-level, institute-level, or state-level entrance exam.

Course Fee (Average)BSc Microbiology fee is INR 20K - INR 50K per annum (depending on the institute)
Scholarship

Candidates belonging to reserved categories and economically weaker sections are eligible for state government scholarship schemes. 

AICTE Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme (only for 5% of students in each state)

Deemed or private universities offer merit scholarships (based on marks in the entrance exam or Class 12th)

InternshipThere are a lot of internship opportunities for a BSc Microbiology Course in India.
Average starting salaryBSc Microbiology Salary is INR 3 - 10 LPA
Career Options
  • Bacteriologist
  • Virologist
  • Mycologist
  • Medical Microbiologist
  • Protozoologist
  • Food Microbiologist
  • Geneticist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Cell Biologist
  • Industrial Microbiologist
  • Biochemist
  • Immunologist
  • Environmental Microbiologist
  • Biomedical
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BSc Microbiology Year Wise Subjects & Syllabus

The BSc Microbiology syllabus covers basic science, domain, and elective subjects. The BSc Microbiology course syllabus is designed keeping in mind the UGC guidelines so that the candidates gradually and eventually grasp the understanding of the subject properly. 

The semester-wise BSc in Microbiology syllabus is provided below.

The semester wise BSc in Microbiology syllabus is provided below.

BSc Microbiology First Year Syllabus

BSc Microbiology subjects 1st year is provided below:

Semester 1 Semester 2
Microbial DiversityBiochemistry
Introduction to Microbiology and Microbial DiversityMycology and Phycology
BiostatisticsMicrobiology
Microbial MetabolismDNA Technology
EnzymologyMathematics
LabLabs
Introduction to BiologyCell Biology
Bioinformatics (GE)

BSc Microbiology Second Year Syllabus

BSc Microbiology subjects 2nd yearis provided below:

Semester 3Semester 4
VirologyFermentation Technology
Infection Immunity and DiagnosticsHost-Pathogen Interaction
LabsImmunology
Molecular BiologyRecombinant DNA Technology
Microbial GenomicsInheritance biology
Microbial Physiology and MetabolismMicrobial Genetics
Intellectual Property Rights and Ethical IssuesEnzyme technology
Food Microbiology
Environmental Microbiology and Waste Management
Dissertation- II (DSE)

BSc Microbiology Third Year Syllabus

BSc Microbiology 3rd year syllabus is provided below:

Semester 5Semester 6
Food and Dairy MicrobiologyImmunology
Medical BacteriologyParasitology
Environmental and Agricultural MicrobiologyPharmacology
Industrial MicrobiologyMicrobial Technology – Social, Legal & Ethical Issues
Research MethodologyMedical Microbiology
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BSc Microbiology Subjects

The BSc Microbiology course syllabus includes several kinds of BSc Microbiology Subjects that form the primary foundation and broad fields of research required to understand the scope of Microbiology. The following is a list of major or general BSc Microbiology course subjects that are commonly included in the syllabus:

Microbial physiologyBioinstrumentation
Genetics engineeringImmunology
Molecular biologyGeneral Microbiology
Introduction to Data StructureComputer Biology & Bioinformatics
Industrial MicrobiologyBi-Statistics
Microbial geneticsBiotechnology
Biophysics and InstrumentationChemistry
Cell StructureEnvironmental Biotechnology
Medical MicrobiologyMicrobial Technology
BiochemistryPrinciples of Transmission Genetics
Tissue CultureBasic Microscopy and Instrumentation

BSc Microbiology Common Subjects for All Semester

A few BSc Microbiology subjects are taught in multiple semesters of the course. It helps in providing a better understanding of the concepts and ideas related to that particular subject. Given below are the names of the common subjects for all semesters of the BSc Microbiology Syllabus:

Cultural EducationChemistry
BiomathematicsImmunology
Recombinant DNA TechnologyDissertation

Note: Candidates must note that the syllabus of BSc Microbiology is different in each educational institute which implies that the common subjects are also not the same. 

BSc Microbiology Optional Subjects

Just like the BSc Microbiology colleges have a bunch of core subjects every semester, they also have a set of elective subjects out of which candidates can pick a few subjects to enhance their respective credit scores. They can choose the optional BSc Microbiology subject as per their interest, preference, future scope, scoring criteria, etc. Given below is an overview of the optional subjects that are often a part of the BSc Microbiology course syllabus:

BSc Microbiology Optional SubjectAbout BSc Microbiology Optional Subject
Fundamentals of MicrobiologyIt involves the study of microscopic organisms which are unicellular, multicellular, and acellular. This course also includes the growth, structure, preservation, functions and control of microorganisms. Students are taught about the several varieties of microorganisms like protozoa, bacteria, algae, fungi, and many other viruses.
Clinical BiochemistryThis course is a division of laboratory medicine that talks about the measurement of chemicals (both unnatural as well as natural) in urine, blood and other body fluids. It explains how and why these test results are useful for determining prognosis, detecting health problems and guiding the therapy of a patient.
BiochemistryThe course is all about the application of chemistry to the study of biological processes at both, the molecular and cellular levels.  Biochemistry course, also known as biological chemistry largely focuses on biomedical research processes which include concepts like what happens inside our cells, studying organelles and proteins etc.
Cell BiologyIt is an interdisciplinary course integrating the ideals of molecular cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics. The programme aims to provide basic knowledge about the function and structure of cells as well as the cellular components.
Food and Dairy MicrobiologyThis course covers concepts like food fermentation of meat products and vegetables, and their chemical preservation through physical and some natural methods. The aspirants also gain knowledge of biostatics which is all about the development and application of various statistical methods to topics of biology.
Economic and Medical EntomologyThe course introduces students to various insects of medical importance and the multiple diseases they transmit such as arbovirus, malaria, etc. It also deals with the insects of agricultural pests and the large economic damage they cause.
Microbial ecologyIt deals with microbial ecology which is further concerned with the study of interactions of microorganisms with animal species, plants, the environment, etc. The prime focus of this course is on the distribution, diversity, and microorganisms. It also talks about the interactions of microorganisms and the effect they possess on the ecosystem.
MicrobialThe course talks about Microbiology as well as Microorganisms. It also explains microbial technology which involves friendly bacteria, fermented beverages, key for a green revolution, a boon to mankind, etc. Microbial course also elaborates on the impact of microbes on numerous human diseases.
Bacterial Physiology and MetabolismThrough this course, candidates will be imparted knowledge about how bacterial structures will grow and also their metabolism functions. Further, it covers the importance of Bacterial physiology in the fields of metabolic engineering and functional genomics.

BSc Microbiology Lab Syllabus

BSc Microbiology is a course in which practical understanding is as important as theoretical comprehension. The programme has multiple BSc Microbiology subjects that are part of the curriculum in order to enhance the practical knowledge of the candidates. Some of the top BSc Microbiology Lab subjects are as follows:

Molecular biology labMolecular biology lab
Mycology labAnalytical biochemistry lab
General microbiology labMicrobial physiology lab
Virology labBiochemistry lab
Physical Science labFood Microbiology Lab
Genetic engineering Lab
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BSc Microbiology Entrance Exam Syllabus

BSc Microbiology admission is usually offered through merit acquired in Class 12th. However, a few colleges also accept admission based on the performance of an individual in an entrance test. Provided below in a tabular format is the list of BSc Microbiology exams held every year to secure seats at premier BSc Microbiology colleges in India. The entrance tests are conducted at the institute, central, and state levels and aspirants need to satisfy the minimum eligibility conditions to take the exam.

Generally, candidates are required to have completed Class 12th from a recognized board of education with mandatory subjects- Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The minimum aggregate marks required varies from exam to exam but it is generally around 55%. The difficulty level of BSc Microbiology course entrance exams ranges from moderate to high level.  In order to get a good score on the entrance test candidates need to have a strong grip on subjects like microbial genetics, food Microbiology, General Microbiology, genetic engineering, and so on. Almost all of the exams are held in the Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) format. Some of the highly popular exams for BSc Microbiology admission are as follows:

BSc Microbiology Entrance ExaminationAbout BSc Microbiology Entrance ExamBSc Microbiology Entrance Examination Syllabus
CUETIt is an all-India exam held by NTA where students seeking admission to different undergraduate programmes offered at various Central, Private, and Deemed to be Universities. CUET Syllabus for BSc Microbiology
LPUNESTLPUNEST is short for Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test. The exam is held in online mode every year for admission to over 150 courses offered at LPU.LPUNEST Syllabus for BSc Microbiology

Note: BSc in Microbiology admission is majorly based on the CUET entrance exam. The CUET UG 2025 exam dates will be announced by the NTA shortly. The National Testing Agency will administer the CUET UG Exam 2025 in the 2nd week of May 2025 (tentative). The CUET UG 20245 registration process will begin in February 2025 (tentative). Candidates who want to appear for the CUET UG 2025 exam must complete the CUET 2024 registration process once it begins. 

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BSc Microbiology Syllabus for Distance Course

The distance BSc Microbiology program is a program developed and designed to offer education to those students who do not want to pursue or cannot afford full-time courses. Such candidates can go for part-time education in BSc Microbiology. The BSc Microbiology syllabus of such courses is almost similar to the full-time examination. The evaluation format of regular education is also very similar to the distance BSc Microbiology courses. 

Some of the major colleges offering the distance course are IGNOU, and Annamalai University, among others. Provided below is a quick BSc Microbiology subjects that are often taught in distance mode:

Microbial EcologyChemistry
Information SystemsEnglish
MathematicsBiochemistry
Microbial EcologyAnalytical Biochemistry
Introduction to MicrobiologyFood Microbiology
PharmacologyMicrobial Physiology
BiostatisticsCultural Education
ParasitologyIndustrial Microbiology
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BSc Microbiology Important Books

BSc Microbiology is a course related to the field of science. The students are required to study from a wide range of books for various subjects. Provided below are the names of the BSc Microbiology books as well as their respective authors or publishers which are highly preferred by toppers and scholars. BSc Microbiology subjects 1st year books are also given here.

Books Authors/ Publishers
Applied ImmunologyBenjamin Abraham Thomas
Biophysics: A Physiological ApproachPatrick F Dillon
Introduction to BioinformaticsT K Attwood
Ligand-Macromolecular Interactions in Drug Discovery: Methods and Protocols: 572 (Methods in Molecular Biology)Ana Cecília A Roque
Microbial GeneticsRajan S Sundara
Microbial GeneticsJohn Cronan and David Freifelder
MicrobiologyPelczar MJ and Krein NR
Textbook of MicrobiologyR Ananthanarayan
Clinical MicrobiologyMark Gladwin 
Essential of Medical MicrobiologyApurba Sankar Sastry 
Medical Microbiology & ImmunologyWarren E Leviterson 
Prescott’s MicrobiologyChristopher J Wolveerton 
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BSc Microbiology Course Structure

BSc Microbiology course is a blend of 3 years comprising all six semesters. The course introduces basics and fundamental understanding of the programme in the 1st year BSc Microbiology course syllabus. The BSc Microbiology course subjects majorly focus on molecular biology as well as genetic engineering. 

Over the 6 semesters, aspirants will be provided with an opportunity to choose electives based on their area of interest, specialisation and future scope. At the end of every semester, candidates are required to submit research-based practical and theoretical projects. The overview of BSc Microbiology Course Structure is as follows:

  • VI Semesters
  • Core as well as Elective subjects
  • Lab Subjects
  • Project/ Dissertation Submission
  • Internship
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BSc Microbiology Top Colleges

The top colleges for BSc Microbiology are listed below.

Name of the CollegeAverage Annual fee
St. Xavier's College, MumbaiINR 10k
Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, MumbaiINR 10k
Institute Of Public Health and Hygiene - [IPHH], New DelhiINR 64k
Starex University, GurgaonINR 60k
Adamas University, KolkataINR 1.14 L
Ethiraj College For Women, ChennaiINR 60 K
Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, ChennaiINR 75 K
Mount Carmel College - [MCC], BangaloreINR 63 K

Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.

Also Read: Top Colleges in Delhi University Based on NIRF Ranking 2024

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FAQs about BSc Microbiology Syllabus

Is math part of the BSc microbiology programme?

Although mathematics is not a prerequisite subject for pursuing a bachelor's degree in microbiology, you must have a basic understanding of it. In the microbiology stream, you must prepare media and chemicals at appropriate concentrations, which necessitates basic maths.

What basic knowledge does a BSc microbiology student need?

BSc Microbiology is an undergraduate course that investigates microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Microbiology is a branch of biology concerned with identifying, categorising, and studying microorganisms and their impact on human health and the environment.

What is the scope of a BSc in Microbiology?

Graduates of this degree can work in a variety of fields, including healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and food manufacturing. Also, one can work as a microbiologist, a research scientist, a medical laboratory technician, or a science writer.

Which universities offer Microbiology courses in India?

Many universities and colleges that offer Microbiology courses include Madras Christian College, Kristu Jayanti College, The Oxford College of Science, Chandigarh University, NMIMS, IGNOU, Chandigarh, Ramnarain Ruia College, Symbiosis University, Pune, and several more.

What are the different branches of microbiology?

Immunology, bacteriology, phycology, nematology, virology, and mycology are the six basic branches of Microbiology.

What are the subfields of microbiology?

Microbiology subjects include bacteriology, mycology, immunology, nematology, parasitology, and phycology, among others.

What subjects do students study in the BSc in Microbiology?

  • Macromolecular structure and analysis
  • Cell structure and dynamics
  • Organic mechanisms in biology
  • Immunology principles
  • Introduction to data structure and computer organisation
  • Molecular genetics
  • Microbiology in medicine
  • Recombinant DNA technology

Is BSc Microbiology a good course?

Yes, a BSc in Microbiology is a course that provides many job opportunities because it involves the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoan parasites. This is a course that may have the broadest career and salary opportunities.

How much salary can I extract after BSc Microbiology?

After BSc Microbiology, the average annual salary earned by aspirants is around Rs. 5,14,000. It varies from individual to individual and recruiter to recruiter.

What job profiles are offered after BSc Microbiology?

After completion of BSc Microbiology course, graduates can explore job profiles like Research Assistant, Quality Assurance Technologists, Industrial, Food or Environmental Microbiologists, Clinical & Veterinary Microbiologists, Sales or Technical Representative, Biomedical Scientist, Medical Technologists, Clinical Research Associate etc.

Which are some popular distance learning BSc Microbiology colleges?

Some popular distance learning BSc Microbiology colleges include IGNOU, Annamalai University etc.

What is the future scope after BSc Microbiology?

After BSc Microbiology, opportunities are provided in the industry oriented sectors likeIndustrial Microbiology, Bioprocess Engineering, Pharmaceuticals to name a few and fields of Microbial Genetics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Plant and Animal Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Dairy and Food etc. Apart from this, graduates can also pursue post-graduation programs.

What are the further study options after BSc Microbiology?

After completing graduation in BSc Microbiology, students can pursue M.Sc. and Ph.D in desired fields of Life sciences.

What are the teaching techniques adopted for the BSc Microbiology syllabus?

Candidates are taught BSc Microbiology syllabus through both theory and practical based approach.

Is BSc Microbiology difficult?

BSc Microbiology is not a difficult course however it is not an easy programme as well. The course has a few hard heavy detail oriented subjects to study. With proper interest and understanding of fundamentals students will not struggle while pursuing the degree.

Is NEET required to pursue BSc Microbiology?

No, NEET is not required to pursue BSc Microbiology.

Does BSc Microbiology have lab subjects?

Yes, BSc Microbiology has numerous lab subjects like Genetic engineering, Molecular biology, Molecular biology, Mycology, Analytical biochemistry, General microbiology, Microbial physiology, Virology, Biochemistry, Physical Science, Food microbiology and many more.

What are the core subjects of BSc Microbiology?

Some core subjects in the BSc Microbiology course syllabus are Microbial physiology, Genetics engineering, Bioinstrumentation, Immunology, Molecular biology, General microbiology, Introduction to Data Structure, Computer Biology & Bioinformatics, Industrial Microbiology and Bi-Statistics among others.

Which are the optional subjects of BSc Microbiology?

A few optional subjects that are a part of the BSc Microbiology syllabus are Clinical Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Cell biology, Food and Dairy Microbiology, Economic and Medical Entomology, Microbial ecology, Microbial, Bacterial Physiology and Metabolism etc.
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